Skin Cancer Reconstruction Ocean County, Toms River, & Stafford Township

There are more cases of skin cancer in the United States every year than any other type of cancer. While a dermatologist may diagnose skin cancer, and an oncologist may treat the more serious forms, a plastic surgeon is often needed to reconstruct the area so that there is as little disfigurement as possible. Dr. Small has extensive experience performing reconstructive surgery, whether for basal cell, squamous cell, melanoma skin cancers, or sarcomas.

doctor showing a patient her results in a hand mirror

“Dr. Small is a rockstar with incredible bedside manner.”

D.T.

"Explains procedures thoroughly—no surprises, just great results."

S.S.

“Couldn’t ask for a more caring, professional doctor.”

T.K.

"Very honest practice!"

J.T.

"Friendly, helpful staff. Great results."

C.O.

"Always accommodating and answers every question!"

L.C.

Everything you Need To Know Skin Cancer Reconstruction Overview

Meet Dr. Stephen E. Small A Renowned Reconstruction Expert in Toms River and Stafford Township

Overview

For the last 18 years, Dr. Small has continuously provided outstanding care for patients in and beyond Ocean County, New Jersey. He is sought out for his exemplary holistic approach and unwavering focus on technical innovation, compassion, and dedication to service. Dr. Small believes that every patient is unique and deserves to have their natural beauty accentuated and celebrated.

Early Life

After experiencing a serious burn accident at the age of nine, Dr. Small underwent plastic surgery, changing the trajectory of his future. He was immediately drawn to the cutting-edge techniques his provider utilized in order to create life-changing results. He was also deeply impressed by the empathy and kindness of his entire surgical team. Today, Dr. Small goes above and beyond to help patients look and feel their best so they can live more satisfying, rewarding lives.

Training Background

Dr. Small is a board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized expertise in reconstructive, laser, and cosmetic procedures. After receiving his medical degree with honors from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), Dr. Small pursued a 5-year general residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford. He then chose an intensive one-year burn and reconstructive fellowship at New York Medical College, Valhalla, mastering the same groundbreaking techniques that saved his life as a child. Dr. Small also served as a resident and chief resident in plastic surgery for several years at Ohio University, South Pointe Hospital-Cleveland Clinic Health System.

Skin Cancer Reconstruction Procedure Overview

Scope:	Skin reconstruction restores your appearance after basal cell, squamous cell, melanoma skin cancers, or sarcomas.
Anesthesia:	The procedure requires local anesthesia with or without sedation. General anesthesia may also be used.
Treatment Time:	Treatment times vary depending on the location and size of the defect.
Recovery:	Several days of downtime may be required.

What Is Skin Cancer Reconstruction?

Skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma) is most often addressed with Mohs surgery, a highly meticulous means of removing diseased cells. During the treatment process, skin cancer is eradicated layer by layer, ensuring precise and aesthetically favorable results. After Mohs surgery, a plastic surgeon can reconstruct your skin to make defects less noticeable. Dr. Small performs skin cancer reconstruction to restore a sense of normalcy and confidence in patients. His cutting-edge techniques help to minimize scarring and create a seamless closure. The doctor may utilize skin grafting or local flap creation to achieve the best outcome.

What Are the Benefits?

Skin cancer reconstruction can provide an array of cosmetic and emotional benefits for patients. Advantages include:

Restored confidence, peace of mind, and quality of life
A more positive self-image
Improved appearance of the skin and tissue
Less prominent surgical scars

Who Is a Candidate?

You may be an ideal candidate for skin cancer reconstruction in Ocean County if any of the following apply:

You have been diagnosed with skin cancer
You have suspicious-looking lesions on the skin
Your skin cancer has returned
You had skin cancer removal in a delicate facial regions, such as the lips, ears, nose, or eyelids

To confirm a skin cancer diagnosis, a biopsy is needed. You will then see a Mohs surgeon to have lesions or tumors removed. At that point, you can undergo skin cancer reconstruction to restore your aesthetic appearance and confidence. Dr. Small will provide a detailed consultation to make sure you are a suitable candidate.

The Skin Cancer Reconstruction Procedure

No two patients are the same when it comes to skin cancer reconstruction. Dr. Small’s goal is to use his expertise and advanced techniques to restore the skin to a normal appearance with as little scarring as possible.

Skin grafts or flaps and/or tissue grafts may be necessary if a great deal of tissue had to be excised in order to remove all of the cancer cells. In that case, the skin or tissue is taken from another part of the body and transferred to the area where the skin cancer lesion appeared.

Dr. Small will examine you and advise what can be done to reconstruct the affected area. If necessary, he will consult with your dermatologist and/or oncologist to make sure you have an optimal result.

Often, the procedure can be done using a local anesthetic alone or with sedation. In more extensive cases, a general anesthetic may be necessary, but only in extreme cases does the patient need to spend a night or two in the hospital.

Recovering from Skin Cancer Reconstruction

Many cases of skin cancer reconstruction do not require downtime, but if the wound is on your face, you might wish to take some time off from work for healing. There will be some soreness, bruising, and swelling that will vary based on the severity of your case. You can take pain medications to ease discomfort, and if you can keep the area elevated, that will reduce swelling.

Sutures will be removed in a subsequent visit with Dr. Small, and he will give you full post-operative instructions, including how to care for the wounds and stitches. He will monitor your progress until you have completely healed.

Skin Cancer Reconstruction Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is a precision-oriented method of removing cancerous cells. The diseased particles are removed layer by layer, with the surgeon viewing the tissue under the microscope until all cancerous cells have been eliminated.

Why Is Mohs Surgery So Effective?

Mohs surgery has a 99% accuracy rate due to the meticulous detail employed by surgeons performing the procedure. Each skin layer is reviewed under a microscope with exacting precision. As long as even a single cancer cell is still present, the surgical process continues. Other surgical removal techniques for tumors and lesions have a slightly lower success rate than Mohs.

What Areas of the Body Are Treatable With Mohs Surgery?

As a tissue-preserving technique, Mohs surgery is most frequently performed on areas such as the head, neck, hands, feet, and anogenital region.

How Should I Prepare for Skin Cancer Reconstruction in Toms River and Stafford Township?

You should schedule a responsible adult to drive you to surgery, wait for you there, drive you home, and assist you for the first 24-48 hours after your procedure. The whole process will take around 4 hours.

What Are the Restrictions After Surgery?

You should avoid strenuous activity for 10-14 days. Once you resume exercise, start slowly at around 50% and build back up. You should avoid alcoholic drinks for at least 1-2 weeks.

What Medications Will I Need After Surgery?

You will be prescribed an antibiotic ointment to apply to your sutures several times a day for around 10 days. Patients typically only need Tylenol to control discomfort. You may also purchase artificial tears for dryness in the eyes if your surgery was performed on the eyelids.

When Are the Follow-Up Appointments?

Your first follow-up visit will typically occur around 7-14 days after your procedure. Additionally, you should visit Dr. Small again around 2 months after surgery.

Schedule Your Private Ocean County Consultation With Dr. Small Today!

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Small’s unique approach to skin cancer reconstruction in Ocean County, Toms River, & Stafford Township, contact us today to schedule a private consultation. Our offices are located along the beautiful New Jersey coastline, offering a serene and restorative backdrop for your cosmetic journey. Call today to get started!

Related Procedures

Breast Reconstruction Post Bariatric Reconstruction